UConn sticking with split running back duties

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
7:00 pm EST, Thursday, November 22, 2007

The two sophomores from New Jersey have adjusted rather well to the scenario, so it's unlikely coach Randy Edsall and his staff will drastically change their roles for Saturday's showdown with West Virginia for the Big East title.

"Andre will start, Donald's going to play, and we'll use them both," Edsall said this week. "Just like we have been."

Brown began the season as the starter and despite a minor injury has rushed for 620 yards and seven touchdowns. Dixon, who was suspended for the first two games of the season, has 742 yards and three touchdowns.

Dixon usually gets the first few carries, and rotation for the first few series is set ahead of time. After that, Edsall admits the coaching staff tries to get a feel for who will be more effective and often "plays hunches."

"We usually can tell by the game and who we're playing who might be a little better suited," Edsall said. "Sometimes things change during the game. We always have a plan but football's a game of adjustments. You're always adjusting."

West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, whose team is allowing just 93 yards per game on the ground, isn't too concerned over which Husky back gets the majority of the work.

"You more or less just prepare for the plays they're running," Rodriguez said.

As far as the ground game goes, Rodriguez is actually more concerned about UConn quarterback Tyler Lorenzen's mobility.

"Lorenzen can hurt you both running and throwing "� we've had problems with guys like that this year," Rodriguez said.

Last week against Syracuse, the Huskies unveiled a formation that featured both Brown and Dixon in the backfield. UConn has occasionally lined wide receiver Larry Taylor opposite one of the every-down runners in a split-back set, but the Dixon-Brown combination was a new wrinkle.

"It's something we've always had that we've been able to use," Edsall said.

"We're trying to utilize our people to the best of our abilities."

Perhaps because of the absence of tight end Steve Brouse or perhaps because of the opponent (Syracuse), the Huskies used a number of sets with both of their fullbacks, Anthony Davis and Anthony Sherman, in the backfield last week.

Brouse is expected to return this week, but whatever the lineup, the Huskies will need heavy doses of Brown and Dixon if they are to spring an upset Saturday.